Ascot International School vs Raffles American School Bangkok

	A Ascot International School Bangkok, Thailand	R Raffles American School Bangkok Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 263,285 - 572,084	Fees / year THB 198,000 - 297,000
Age range	Age range 1 - 17 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE, Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 500	Pupils 600
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 16
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1995	Opened 2017
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service —
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Ascot International School is situated in the leafy Saphan Sung area of Bangkok, on Ramkhamhaeng 118 Alley. The campus is accessible via major roads and is a short drive from Sukhumvit and Lat Phrao districts, offering a quieter, suburban setting with good transport links.	Location Raffles American School Bangkok is located in Samut Prakan province, just east of central Bangkok along the Bang Na–Trat frontage road. The school is situated in a suburban area with residential communities and international businesses nearby. It's easily accessible by private car and sits close to major expressways, making school drop-off and pick-up manageable for commuting families. The surrounding area is quiet, with access to amenities such as shopping malls, restaurants, and international housing.
Stages	Stages The school serves children aged 18 months to 18 years, with clearly defined stages: Early Years (18 mo–4 yrs), Primary (Years 1–6), Secondary (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13).	Stages The school is organized into four main divisions: Early Childhood (Pre-K to Kindergarten), Elementary School (Grades 1–5), Middle School (Grades 6–8), and High School (Grades 9–12). This structure provides a continuous educational pathway for children from age 2 up to 18.
School type	School type Ascot is a co-educational day school.	School type Raffles American School Bangkok is a co-educational school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The school offers dedicated EAL (English as an Additional Language) support across all levels, including in-class inclusion and out-of-class extraction. It also provides tailored programs and adaptive technologies to support students with disabilities or specific learning differences.	Additional learning support The school does not publicly list any specialized services or programs for students with Additional Learning Needs. There is no mention of specific facilities or trained staff for learning support on its website.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Ascot does not have formal affiliation with any specific country.	Country affiliation The school is not affiliated with any country.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliation.	Religious affiliation The school has no religious affiliations.
School day structure	School day structure Nursery–Reception sessions run from 08:00 to 14:30. Year 1–13 students attend from 07:40 to 15:00, with scheduled breaks and a lunch period mid-day.	School day structure The website does not publish details on how the school day is structured.
Bus service details	Bus service details Ascot’s website does not mention a dedicated school bus or coach service.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Initial Fees * Application Fee: THB 4,000 (non-refundable) * Enrollment Fee: THB 100,000 per child or THB 180,000 per family (non-refundable) * General Deposit: * THB 5,000 (Pre-Nursery to Year 6) * THB 10,000 (Year 7 to Year 13) * Refundable upon withdrawal if no damage occurs. Tuition Fees (Annual Total) * Pre-Nursery: THB 263,285 * EY1: THB 319,138 * EY2–EY3: THB 369,724 * Year 1–2: THB 430,182 * Year 3–6: THB 488,158 * Year 7–9: THB 522,653 * Year 10–11: THB 553,545 * Year 12–13: THB 572,084 Tuition is payable in three terms. Examination fees for IGCSE (Year 11) and IBDP (Year 13) are invoiced separately. Other Costs * Meal Fees (Annual): * Pre-Nursery to EY3: THB 32,000 * Year 1–6: THB 35,000 * Year 7–13: THB 37,000 * Stationery & Resources (Annual): Varies by year, e.g., THB 2,000 for Early Years; THB 20,000 for Years 12–13 * Residential Trips: Required for Years 3–10; fees range from THB 11,000 to THB 25,000 * Excursion Fees: * EY: THB 3,000 * Year 1–6: THB 3,500 * EAL (English as Additional Language) Support: * Level 1: THB 50,000/year * Level 2: THB 75,000/year * Level 3: THB 110,000/year Billing and Payment Terms * Fees are billed termly or annually. * A re-enrolment security fee of THB 50,000 per child is due mid-March and is credited against Term 1 fees. This becomes non-refundable if the child does not return. Payment Methods * Accepted at school: cash, cashier’s cheque, credit card (1.8% surcharge), or instalment plan. * Online and ATM banking: PromptPay and bank transfer options available * All bank charges must be paid by the parent. Confirmation of payment must be sent to the school.	Fee details Application Fees The school’s website does not mention any application or registration fees. Families should confirm directly with the school whether such fees apply during the admissions process. Tuition Fees (By Age Group) * Nursery (2–3 years old): THB 198,000 per academic year * Kindergarten 1–2 (3–5 years old): THB 234,000 per academic year * Kindergarten 3 (5–6 years old): THB 255,000 per academic year * Grade 1–4 (6–10 years old): THB 279,000 per academic year * Grade 5–12 (10–18 years old): THB 297,000 per academic year All amounts are listed as annual tuition. Lunch Fees A separate lunch fee of THB 30,000 per academic year applies to all grade levels. Billing Schedule and Payment Terms The school’s website does not currently specify the billing frequency (term-based or annual), deadlines, or late payment penalties. Payment Methods The school does not disclose payment method options (such as credit card, bank transfer, or online systems) in the fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school operates as a day school with no boarding facilities.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform. The Ascot Boutique uniform shop is located adjacent to the New Secondary building and sells Ascot uniforms. It is open Monday to Friday during normal school hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM during school holidays.	Uniform requirement Regular Uniform and PE Uniform are required in Early Years through High School. Optional items include a School Cap and a School Jacket.
Food options	Food options Meals are catered by Premier Chef. Snack and lunch menus for EY and PY-SY are published for the current academic year. Meals include vegetarian, dairy-free, and egg-free options, and menus rotate to provide a diverse range of dishes.	Food options The school provides on-site meals via Sodexo, the food service provider.
House system	House system Ascot has a House System with four houses. In 2021–2022 the houses were renamed from Trojans, Aztecs, Vikings, and Titans to Thai mythical creature names: Trojans became Phraya Insee (purple); Aztecs became Phraya Kochasarn (green); Vikings became Phraya Naga (blue); Titans became Phraya Rachasee (orange). Throughout the year, students can earn house points through various activities, and House Colours Days provide competition; end-of-year trophy is awarded to the top house.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership The school is part of the Raffles Education Group and is governed by Raffles Education Limited.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ascot International School is an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Early Years and Primary (Pre-Nursery to Year 6). In Secondary (Years 7–11), the school delivers a blend of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) (currently in candidacy) and the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum. Students in Years 10 and 11 sit for IGCSE exams. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). Core subjects across the school include English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Languages, and Physical Education, with instruction in English. Additional support for English as an Additional Language (EAL) is provided where needed.	Curriculum details Here’s a clear and friendly overview of the curriculum offering at Raffles American School Bangkok, based strictly on information from the school’s official materials: --- Curriculum Overview Raffles follows a U.S.-based American curriculum aligned with Common Core standards in English and Math, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Science, and AERO for Social Studies. In Early Childhood through Elementary, learning is experiential, covering literacy (using frameworks like the 6+1 Trait Writing and Daily 5), numeracy, science, arts, physical education, music, and world languages. In Middle School, students rotate between specialist teachers in subject areas including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, performing and visual arts, PE, health, and technology. High School (Grades 9–12) culminates in the award of a U.S. High School Diploma, with students from Grade 10 onward selecting from a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Starting in the upcoming academic year, the IB Diploma Programme (DP) will be introduced for Grades 11 and 12, while Grade 10 students may sample AP Psychology. The school embeds General Learning Outcomes—such as communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills—at every level.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Ascot embeds SEL within its IB PYP framework, focusing on emotional intelligence through inquiry-based learning in Early Years and Primary stages. The school’s pastoral system, including form tutors and daily/weekly check-ins, supports social and emotional growth from the first day of school. Specific mindfulness programmes are available to help students manage stress and improve focus. SEL is reinforced during activities like Harmony Day, which promotes cultural understanding and peer relationships.	Social & emotional learning The school embeds General Learning Outcomes across all grade levels, including self-awareness, emotional wellbeing, relationships (like conflict resolution and mediation), and community responsibility. There’s no detailed public information about dedicated SEL staff members or specific initiatives beyond this framework.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Ascot is not a specialist SEN institution, but it incorporates a multi-agency Inclusive Learning Practices strategy to support students with learning differences or disabilities. Teachers use differentiated instruction, adapt environments, and deploy adaptive technologies to address physical, cognitive, and sensory learning barriers. Staff anticipate individual needs before the first day and adjust teaching materials, processes, and environments accordingly.	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly disclose any information regarding support for Special Educational Needs (SEN).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Ascot offers EAL support at all levels, with Early Years incorporating language through play and repetition and primary through in-class inclusion and small-group extraction support. In Secondary Years 7–9, students are withdrawn from Mandarin classes for extra English lessons and may receive support during English lessons. At Key Stage 4, students are placed on either English First Language or English Second Language IGCSE tracks and sit external Cambridge English exams.	English as an additional language RAS follows the WIDA-based ELL (English Language Learner) Curriculum and Assessment, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They administer baseline assessments at the beginning, middle, and end of the year to guide student placement within the ELL program.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Ascot’s wellbeing initiatives include mindfulness programmes and a structured pastoral support system provided by form tutors, with regular meetings and close communication with parents. The school emphasizes mental health by integrating wellbeing into the curriculum and offering resources for stress management. Extracurricular activities - including sports and arts- are offered to support student engagement and emotional balance.	Mental wellbeing There is no specific information published about mental wellbeing programs, counselling staff, or dedicated initiatives.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Ascot maintains robust safeguarding and child protection policies, with mandatory staff training and embedded procedures to ensure a safe environment. All community members are held responsible for student safety and trained regularly in child protection protocols. The school emphasizes proactive safeguarding, viewing student welfare as a fundamental responsibility of the institution.	Safeguarding The school mentions that it maintains a safe and clean environment and enforces health and safety protocols. However, it does not publicly disclose any detailed safeguarding or child protection policies. No further information is provided regarding designated staff, training, or reporting procedures.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy View document	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Ascot International School Bangkok is located in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok. It is a full IB Continuum School offering the IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, and Career-related Programme. The school serves students from Early Years through secondary. It has modern facilities to support inquiry-based and international education.	Facilities overview The school has a Playground & Sport Field and a Swimming Pool measuring 25 x 18 meters with sun shading. A certified lifeguard checks the pool's pH daily and remains on standby during school hours. For younger students, a Teaching Assistant (TA) and Thai Nanny accompany them to provide additional care and support. The campus includes a PE Room, a Library, a Music Room, and a Science Lab. Nursery–K2 classrooms have three staff members per class (Homeroom Teacher, Teaching Assistant, and Thai Nanny) to provide full support and care; K3–G4 classrooms have two staff members (Homeroom Teacher and Teaching Assistant) to support students; G5–G8 and G9–G12 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers in every room, and the janitor cleans the room every morning and in the evening after class.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Ascot offers the Ascot Football Academy (AFA), which provides structured football development for student-athletes. AFA emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with expert coaching and world-class training. The program supports students in balancing athletic commitments with academics. Football development is a major extracurricular offering at Ascot.	Sports facilities The school has a Playground & Sport Field and a Swimming Pool. The swimming pool measures 25 x 18 meters and has shading for sun protection. A certified lifeguard checks the pool's pH daily and remains on standby during school hours. For younger students, TA and Thai Nanny accompany them to provide additional care and support during swimming activities. The PE Room supports physical education classes.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Early Years (ages 18 months to 4 years) follows the IB Primary Years Programme with hands-on experiences and inquiry-based learning. Primary Years (Years 1–6) follow the IB PYP with a transdisciplinary approach. Secondary (Years 7–9) follows the IB Middle Years Programme; Years 10–11 offer IGCSE courses. The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) prepare students for university study and future careers. Ascot is an IB World School accredited to deliver all four IB programmes.	Academic facilities The school provides a Library, a Music Room, and a Science Lab as core academic facilities. Nursery–K2 classrooms have three staff per class (Homeroom Teacher, TA, and Thai Nanny) to provide full support and care; the Nanny cleans tables and floors after breaks and lunch to maintain hygiene. K3–G4 classrooms have two staff per class (Homeroom Teacher and Teaching Assistant) and air purifiers in each room. G5–G8 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers, and G9–G12 classrooms are led by one Homeroom Teacher with air purifiers; the janitor cleans the room every morning before class and in the evening after class.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities AFA provides structured football development as part of the extracurricular program. It emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship with expert coaching and training. The program runs alongside academic commitments to support student-athletes. Football development is a prominent extracurricular offering at Ascot.	Extra curricular facilities Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are programs outside the regular curriculum that help students explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence. The program offers sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, and leadership activities to foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. ECA is organized into Early Years, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School / High School, with schedules and activities available for each level.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Ascot International School began in 1995 as Park Place International School to fill a need for early-years education in Bangkok’s Saphan Sung district. It expanded into primary education soon after, and by 2009 had opened a secondary school. The institution was renamed Ascot around that time, became a Cambridge IGCSE centre in 2010, earned CIS accreditation in 2011 and 2014, and received IB Diploma authorisation in 2016.	History Raffles American School Bangkok was established in 2017 as part of the Raffles Education Corporation, a regional education group with institutions across Asia. The Bangkok campus initially offered early years and elementary education, gradually expanding to include middle and high school levels. By the 2018–2019 academic year, the school had introduced a full K–12 pathway. Its campus is located in the Bang Na district and is adjacent to Raffles International College, with which it shares organisational ties through the Raffles Education network.
Community	Community Ascot hosts regular community events such as Harmony Day and Chinese New Year celebrations, which involve students, families, and staff in cultural and inclusive activities . Its school newsletter, "Jod Mai Khao," is published every two weeks to keep the community informed about campus life and upcoming events Ascot International School .	Community Raffles American School Bangkok fosters a culturally diverse community that includes students, families, and staff from a wide range of national backgrounds. The school celebrates this diversity through inclusive community events such as International Day, where families share food, dress, and traditions from their home countries. Cultural celebrations like Songkran Day are also held on campus to promote Thai heritage and encourage engagement between students and local traditions. In addition, families take part in school-wide service efforts, such as donation drives supporting the Baan Nokkamin Foundation, promoting values of compassion and civic responsibility. Parents are often invited to attend school performances, art shows, and holiday events, building a sense of connection and shared involvement in the school’s daily life.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The school does not publicly detail a formal Parent Teacher Association on its website. However, it includes active parental engagement through events like International Day, cultural celebrations, and regular parent–teacher meetings coordinated by class teachers and form tutors. These forums allow parents to support events, volunteer, and receive updates on school activities such as Harmony Day and seasonal fairs.	Parent teacher association While a formal PTA structure isn't detailed, the school’s social media reflects active parental participation. Posts such as reminders about PTA gatherings indicate that parents are invited into school life, though the types of events, groups, or committees are not described in detail publicly.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is an IB World School authorised to deliver all four IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). Early Years (18 months to 4 years) follow the PYP. Primary Years (Years 1–6) also follow the PYP. Secondary includes Years 7–9 in the MYP, Years 10–11 with IGCSE, and the DP and CP complete the IB continuum.	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The campus includes dedicated labs, art studios, and music rooms. It also features libraries to support creative work.	Arts & creative RAS provides arts education across the school, including visual arts and performing arts. The art studio is a space for creativity where students express ideas through painting, sculpture, and design. Student artworks are regularly showcased in school exhibitions and international school art events in Bangkok. Music and performing arts provide opportunities to sing, play instruments, and perform at school events.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language All classes are conducted in English, except for specialist lessons such as Thai and Mandarin.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Ascot Football Academy (AFA) develops young athletes through discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.	Social & hobbies Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) are programs outside the regular curriculum that help students explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence. RAS offers sports, arts, clubs, volunteering, and leadership activities, providing opportunities for teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Activities are organized for Early Years through High School. ECAs enrich the overall school experience.
Community & service	Community & service The Diploma Programme includes community and personal growth through CAS.	Community & service ECA includes volunteering and leadership activities. Students have opportunities to participate in community service and service-learning projects.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The Career-related Programme provides pathways that combine academic study with practical skills and real-world experience. The school reports university progressions for its graduates, including the Class of 2024/25 going to universities.	Leadership & professional Leadership opportunities are integrated into ECAs. Students lead clubs, organize events, and participate in service projects. These activities foster communication, organization, and teamwork. RAS emphasizes leadership as part of a holistic education.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The campus is located in Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, in beautiful green surroundings. The Ascot Football Academy supports sport, and shuttle buses operate to Ramkhamhaeng, Krungthep Kreetha, and nearby areas.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport Academy (Raptors) provides regular athletic development. Physical activity supports fitness and teamwork. ECAs balance academic demands with wellness, supporting overall well-being and a healthy school lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision All classes are conducted in English, with specialist lessons in Thai and Mandarin. French is offered as part of the language program. Students study at least two languages as part of the IB curriculum, and language learning is integrated across all IB programmes.	Language provision English is the language of instruction for Studies in Language and Literature (English Language & Literature). Language Acquisition is offered in Thai, Mandarin, or Spanish. World Language instruction follows ACTFL standards.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards The school does not publicly disclose any awards won in the past five years on its website.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations * International Baccalaureate (IB) World School (PYP & DP; MYP candidate): Authorized to deliver the Primary Years and Diploma Programmes; working towards Middle Years authorisation, marking its progress towards the IB continuum. * Council of International Schools (CIS): International accreditation awarded in 2011 and again in 2014, reflecting adherence to global standards from nursery through Year 13. * Cambridge International Examination Centre: Since 2010, the school has been authorized to offer Cambridge IGCSE exams .	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): A U.S.-based accrediting body that evaluates and certifies the quality of schools offering American-style education internationally. * International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme: The school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme for Grades 11–12, a two-year pre-university qualification recognised by universities worldwide. * College Board – Advanced Placement (AP): Raffles American School Bangkok is approved to deliver AP courses, allowing high school students to complete college-level coursework and exams for potential university credit.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Book an Open House or school tour. Attending sessions - such as the one held 31 January 2025 - lets you walk the campus, meet teachers, and see the environment firsthand. 2. Submit an application. Once you've visited, complete the online form, attach required documents (e.g. birth certificate, passport) and pay the non-refundable THB 4,000 application fee. 3. Attend assessments and interviews. Pre-Nursery–Year 2 applicants have a parent interview and informal assessment; Years 3–6 take English and Maths tests plus an interview; Years 7–13 complete assessments and meet with the Head of Secondary. 4. Receive results and offer. Within 3–5 working days, the Admissions Team informs you of your outcome and issues an Offer of Place, including a fee invoice. 5. Confirm your child’s place. To secure enrolment, pay the enrolment fee by the deadline and complete tuition payment. At this stage, uniforms and resources can also be purchased.	Admissions 1. Initial Visit & Inquiry Begin by visiting the school or contacting the Admissions Office. You can arrange to meet the Head of School or Director in person—or connect online via email, phone, or the Line app if visiting isn’t possible. An open-door policy is offered for visits by appointment. 2. Submit Application Materials Complete and submit the Application Form, Admission Requirement Checklist, Authorization to Release School Records form, and Informed Consent from the previous school. Include two passport-sized photos, a copy of the student’s passport or Thai ID, up to three years of academic records (translated into English if needed), standardized test results or evaluations, and a confidential recommendation from the current school. These can be submitted online or via mail, email, or in person. 3. Evaluation & Interview Once your application is complete, the school typically processes it within five working days. Then, the student will undergo evaluation, screening, and an interview designed to assess English and math proficiency. Pre‑K and Kindergarten applicants have a parent interview and child engagement activity. Interviews can be held in person or via Skype; if remote applicants can't participate, offers may be conditional on in‑person evaluation later. 4. Application Outcome If accepted, the school will send a formal Offer of Admission by email, followed by a tuition invoice and a welcome letter from the Head of School outlining next steps.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers academic scholarships for entry into Years 4, 5, 10, and Year 12 (IB Diploma Programme) for the 2025–2026 academic year. Applicants must submit a THB 1,000 registration fee and sit an examination in late March. Results are communicated shortly afterward. The scholarships are awarded based on academic performance and are limited to those year groups.	Scholarships The school’s official website does not mention any scholarships or financial aid programs.
Waitlist	Waitlist Ascot operates an open-entry policy and does not maintain a formal waitlist. Admission is offered to families whose children’s needs can be met by the school’s programmes and resources.	Waitlist When an applicant meets the admissions requirements but the requested grade level or program is already full, that applicant is placed in a wait pool.
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